In 1973, Carl Palmer and Paul Ravn designed this unique stainless steel kit which was manufactured by the British Steel Company, and their subcontractors. It features quarter-inch-thick shells fitted with Gretsch hoops. Each drum features an ornate engraving of woodland scenes, created by Paul Ravn. Carl says these engravings were inspired by engravings that he saw on a hunting rifle. In addition to being the centerpiece of ELP’s stage setup, the set was used to record Brain Salad Surgery, Welcome Back My Friends, and Works. It was also orignally designed to be synthesized to replicate the electronic percussion sounds heard on ELP’s “Tocatta.” The kit as shown here includes 5 1/2×6, 5 1/2×8, 6 1/2×10, 8×12, 9×13, 10×14, and 15×15 single-headed rack toms; 15×16, and 18×18 single-headed floor toms; and a 20×28 bass drum. The two side console units – an early form of drum racks – support the tom […]

March 2022 Issue